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A service dog and their owner outside - find elite service dog training in Sarasota / Venice, FL with Dog Training Elite.

Professional

Service Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Sarasota

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Request Free Assessment


Our Service Dog Training Could Help:

Veterans or civilians with PTSD, anxiety, or depression
Children or adults with autism
Individuals with epilepsy
Advanced medical training (participating locations)

Dog Training Elite Sarasota

Service Dog Training in Sarasota / Venice, FL

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service dog as “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.” Disabilities include mental or physical impairments that affect an individual’s ability to perform one or more major life activities (walking, seeing, etc.).

Because service dogs play such a key role in the life of disabled individuals, they are protected by the law. Places of residence, employment, and commercial facilities cannot discriminate against disabled individuals with service animals. If you are wondering how to get a service dog, you can either purchase a fully trained dog or purchase a service puppy and train it.

With our service dog training in Sarasota / Venice, FL, we ensure that your dog is trained to meet the specific needs of your disability, providing personalized support and empowering both dog and handler for long-term success.

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A man and his support service dog - learn more about our positive training methods at Dog Training Elite.

Our Positive Approach to Service Dog Training


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At Dog Training Elite, we believe that successful dog training requires dedication, patience, and balance. That’s why we are committed to using positive reinforcement techniques in all of our training programs.

Through balanced training, our team helps owners build trust with their dogs. This approach is especially important for service dog training because strong relationships and communication are essential for dogs to reliably assist their handler.

By focusing on encouragement rather than punishment, we created confident, well-behaved dogs that are eager to perform their best and impress their owners.

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Ron Martin
    Mar. 10, 2025
    Today My dog Nova and I did our Public Access Test. Our trainer Renee Juliano a highly trained Dog Handler with Dog Training Elite. This test is to ensure that dogs that have public access are stable. The Bottom Line of this test is that Nova demonstrates she is safe to be in public and that I demonstrates I has control of Nova at all times. Our final Result was "Pass." Renee is a valuable quality skill in her trade nothing but the best.
  • Tonzathome
    Apr. 25, 2025
    Anthony is amazing with dogs! Our doodle is very receptive to the training!
  • Jay B
    Apr. 23, 2025
    5 stars aren’t enough to praise our experience with Dog Training Elite. We are 8 weeks into the program and Alisa has been phenomenal as our in-home trainer. Her knowledge and patience was critical not only with Roxy, but with us too. We learned that successful training is just as much up to us as it is to the dog (if not moreso). She customized her approach and sped up and slowed down as needed based on how we all performed. She also touched base with us in between our weekly sessions and answered all our questions and concerns along the way. Group training on Saturdays has also taken Roxy to a whole new level of confidence and Jess, Anthony & Renee have been a tremendous help. Thank you all!
  • TK
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Denise did a wonderful job. She was extremely engaging, knowledgeable and encouraging of our dog Beau’s potential to be a great addition to our family. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite for any obedience training for your dog!
  • Ann Marie Persico
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Denise was prompt and extremely knowledgeable of proper dog training with use of various teaching modalities. My dog was very comfortable meeting Denise and so was I!!! I would recommend obedience training with Dog Training Elite.
  • Linda Moore
    Apr. 16, 2025
    Good first session with Jessica.
  • Geraldine Mercado
    Apr. 14, 2025
    Anthony is the best. It is obvious that he loves dogs and knows how to train them.
  • Sandi Bundy
    Mar. 26, 2025
    Denise was extremely thorough, very knowledgeable, and I’m super excited to get started training my new puppy!! I have confidence that he will be extremely successful (and the most handsome pup ever!!❤️) Jessica is amazing at what she does! We’re 2 sessions in and I’m so amazed! I have learned a lot as well.
  • Jane McGinty
    Apr. 9, 2025
    Anthony handled our dog very well and he was very patient with us! We will continue our training with him for sure. Have already recommended him to other people
  • Ellie “Ellie” Bres
    Mar. 4, 2025
    My initial introduction to Dog Training Elite today exceeded my expectations. Although my puppy is only 7 months old, this will be the THIRD time enrolling in Dog Training and Obedience classes. After completing our evaluation, I feel confident my young boy will excel throughout the classes we have enrolled in. We discussed my concerns regarding my puppy's high-strung behavior and difficulty in focusing. In the short period of time we were there, the trainer demonstrated a few basic ways, when applied consistently , how my puppy responded with relative ease. With that said, given the proper instructions and my determination to work with my little boy, I'm excited to see him grow into a happy, eager to please fun companion.
  • martha joy
    Jan. 24, 2025
    Exceptional 1st session for my 5 month old poodle puppy. I’m looking forward to our next session. Alisa is knowledgeable & patient & is a great trainer for me & my dog Daisy. Daisy 🌼 really responded to her technique.
  • Kenneth Maltabes
    Apr. 9, 2025
    Tony is excellent! He has been getting our dog ready to pass the service test and is always available for any questions and very quick to assist us with any difficulties that arise WITHOUT amplifying our anxiety. I could not have asked for a better trainer!!!
  • TF
    Apr. 9, 2025
    Renee at Elite Dog Training is most certainly the premier dog and handler whisperer. I have a beautiful, but originally sky/skittish Labradoodle that she helped me grow into a confident, fully functioning service dog. I am forever grateful for everyone at Elite Dog Training. The skills coaching is superb but more than anything it’s the “little” things she said that motivated me and Leah build confidence over time.
  • John Carter
    Mar. 21, 2025
    First visit today. Denise was so nice and already thought me a few things. I am confident they will be able to help us and Marshmallow to get to where we want to be. Thank you so much. Looking forward to the future.
  • Colleen Krumm
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Great assessment visit with Denise. Explained everything, answered all of our questions, no pressure, and direct access for questions.
  • Ekaterina Cherkasova
    Mar. 31, 2025
    Jessica was amazing! She is very experienced in her job. Today she taught my dog Murphy to swim and my dog is only three months old so that’s amazing! And I’m looking forward to working with her until my dog is a service dog!
  • Bill Flowers
    Mar. 28, 2025
    Again great info from Jessica. Sent her a text about 8 am with an issue that developed yesterday and 3 hours later she was here to help out and will swing by late afternoon to make sure we are good with the crate I bought today. She is so focused on what she is trying to accomplish. You cannot beat that.
  • Candyce Perez
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Was very pleasant with every thing going on in my house even my grandson running around. Described in major detail what would happen sitting there classes and I was very pleased would recommend he especially if I have a wild child like I do!
  • Richard Terwilliger
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Jessica is a great trainer. My dog and l are learning a lot. Keep up the great work Jessica!
  • Jodi Rambo
    Feb. 20, 2025
    Both Gunnar and I look forward to our sessions. Anthony makes it feel so effortless working with our high energy breed.
  • Ron Martin
    Mar. 10, 2025
    Today My dog Nova and I did our Public Access Test. Our trainer Renee Juliano a highly trained Dog Handler with Dog Training Elite. This test is to ensure that dogs that have public access are stable. The Bottom Line of this test is that Nova demonstrates she is safe to be in public and that I demonstrates I has control of Nova at all times. Our final Result was "Pass." Renee is a valuable quality skill in her trade nothing but the best.
  • Tonzathome
    Apr. 25, 2025
    Anthony is amazing with dogs! Our doodle is very receptive to the training!
  • Jay B
    Apr. 23, 2025
    5 stars aren’t enough to praise our experience with Dog Training Elite. We are 8 weeks into the program and Alisa has been phenomenal as our in-home trainer. Her knowledge and patience was critical not only with Roxy, but with us too. We learned that successful training is just as much up to us as it is to the dog (if not moreso). She customized her approach and sped up and slowed down as needed based on how we all performed. She also touched base with us in between our weekly sessions and answered all our questions and concerns along the way. Group training on Saturdays has also taken Roxy to a whole new level of confidence and Jess, Anthony & Renee have been a tremendous help. Thank you all!
  • TK
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Denise did a wonderful job. She was extremely engaging, knowledgeable and encouraging of our dog Beau’s potential to be a great addition to our family. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite for any obedience training for your dog!
  • Ann Marie Persico
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Denise was prompt and extremely knowledgeable of proper dog training with use of various teaching modalities. My dog was very comfortable meeting Denise and so was I!!! I would recommend obedience training with Dog Training Elite.
  • Linda Moore
    Apr. 16, 2025
    Good first session with Jessica.
  • Geraldine Mercado
    Apr. 14, 2025
    Anthony is the best. It is obvious that he loves dogs and knows how to train them.
  • Sandi Bundy
    Mar. 26, 2025
    Denise was extremely thorough, very knowledgeable, and I’m super excited to get started training my new puppy!! I have confidence that he will be extremely successful (and the most handsome pup ever!!❤️) Jessica is amazing at what she does! We’re 2 sessions in and I’m so amazed! I have learned a lot as well.
  • Jane McGinty
    Apr. 9, 2025
    Anthony handled our dog very well and he was very patient with us! We will continue our training with him for sure. Have already recommended him to other people
  • Ellie “Ellie” Bres
    Mar. 4, 2025
    My initial introduction to Dog Training Elite today exceeded my expectations. Although my puppy is only 7 months old, this will be the THIRD time enrolling in Dog Training and Obedience classes. After completing our evaluation, I feel confident my young boy will excel throughout the classes we have enrolled in. We discussed my concerns regarding my puppy's high-strung behavior and difficulty in focusing. In the short period of time we were there, the trainer demonstrated a few basic ways, when applied consistently , how my puppy responded with relative ease. With that said, given the proper instructions and my determination to work with my little boy, I'm excited to see him grow into a happy, eager to please fun companion.
  • martha joy
    Jan. 24, 2025
    Exceptional 1st session for my 5 month old poodle puppy. I’m looking forward to our next session. Alisa is knowledgeable & patient & is a great trainer for me & my dog Daisy. Daisy 🌼 really responded to her technique.
  • Kenneth Maltabes
    Apr. 9, 2025
    Tony is excellent! He has been getting our dog ready to pass the service test and is always available for any questions and very quick to assist us with any difficulties that arise WITHOUT amplifying our anxiety. I could not have asked for a better trainer!!!
  • TF
    Apr. 9, 2025
    Renee at Elite Dog Training is most certainly the premier dog and handler whisperer. I have a beautiful, but originally sky/skittish Labradoodle that she helped me grow into a confident, fully functioning service dog. I am forever grateful for everyone at Elite Dog Training. The skills coaching is superb but more than anything it’s the “little” things she said that motivated me and Leah build confidence over time.
  • John Carter
    Mar. 21, 2025
    First visit today. Denise was so nice and already thought me a few things. I am confident they will be able to help us and Marshmallow to get to where we want to be. Thank you so much. Looking forward to the future.
  • Colleen Krumm
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Great assessment visit with Denise. Explained everything, answered all of our questions, no pressure, and direct access for questions.
  • Ekaterina Cherkasova
    Mar. 31, 2025
    Jessica was amazing! She is very experienced in her job. Today she taught my dog Murphy to swim and my dog is only three months old so that’s amazing! And I’m looking forward to working with her until my dog is a service dog!
  • Bill Flowers
    Mar. 28, 2025
    Again great info from Jessica. Sent her a text about 8 am with an issue that developed yesterday and 3 hours later she was here to help out and will swing by late afternoon to make sure we are good with the crate I bought today. She is so focused on what she is trying to accomplish. You cannot beat that.
  • Candyce Perez
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Was very pleasant with every thing going on in my house even my grandson running around. Described in major detail what would happen sitting there classes and I was very pleased would recommend he especially if I have a wild child like I do!
  • Richard Terwilliger
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Jessica is a great trainer. My dog and l are learning a lot. Keep up the great work Jessica!
  • Jodi Rambo
    Feb. 20, 2025
    Both Gunnar and I look forward to our sessions. Anthony makes it feel so effortless working with our high energy breed.
A Dog Training Elite Sarasota owner smiling with his dog in Sarasota / Venice, FL.

Dog Training Elite Sarasota

Is a Service Dog The Same As a Therapy Dog?

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Many types of working dogs increase the quality of life for their handlers. The three main categories of working dogs are service animal, therapy animal, and emotional support animal. Each category covers different areas of support and different levels of protection under the law.

  1. Service Animal
  2. As mentioned above, service animals assist individuals with disabilities. Depending on the person’s needs, the service animal learns how to perform certain tasks. Guide dogs, for example, help blind individuals safely navigate their environment. Seizure response dogs respond to their handlers when the individual is having a seizure. Service animals are highly trained and specialized, and they are also offered the most protection under the law compared to therapy or emotional support animals.

    Dogs are not the only kinds of service animals - miniature horses are often trained to support individuals with disabilities!

  3. Therapy Animal
  4. Therapy dogs provide comfort and improve the mental well-being of individuals in hospitals, hospice care, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, and more. These dogs must have a friendly, calm demeanor and be comfortable when handled by strangers.

    Therapy dogs are not trained to perform specific tasks, but they must be obedient and well-mannered. Therapy animals are permitted in some areas where pets are not, but they have fewer protections than service animals. All therapy dogs must be certified before they can offer their services to the community.

  5. Emotional Support Animal
  6. Emotional support dogs relieve loneliness, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of mental health disorders. They provide comfort to their handlers, but they are not trained to perform specific tasks. Most emotional support animals are sensitive to the emotional changes of their handler and will remain close by at all times. Emotional support animals are not protected by the ADA, but residential buildings must permit emotional support animals.

Dog Training Elite Sarasota

What Can Service Dogs Do?

Service dogs are crucial in assisting individuals with various disabilities and conditions, providing them with support, independence, and companionship. These highly trained dogs can perform specific tasks tailored to the needs of their handlers. Learn about breeds that make great service dogs, who can benefit from a service dog and the training that will help these pups meet their handler's needs.

Service dogs are a great help to disabled individuals thanks to their incredible ability to perform highly specialized tasks, like opening doors, switching lights on and off, assisting with balance and stability, guiding, pulling wheelchairs, answering phones and making calls, finding objects or places, unloading and loading items, clearing rooms, finding help, and many more. Service dogs improve the lives of disabled individuals by increasing their autonomy.
Individuals with certain diseases and disorders can benefit from a highly trained service dog. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and they can detect the chemical changes associated with oncoming seizures and increases in blood pressure. Alert service dogs alert their handler to these situations to prevent a life-threatening emergency. Alert dogs also help those with extreme allergies detect potential allergens in food.
Disabled or epileptic individuals are more prone to emergencies than the average person. Service dogs are trained to alert their handler to a potential emergency, and alert surrounding individuals to an active emergency. Service dogs can also call for help on pre-programmed phones.

Additional Service Training Info

Dog Training Elite Sarasota - PTSD Service Dog Training in Sarasota / Venice. Dog Training Elite Sarasota
PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Sarasota / Venice, FL, Dog Training Elite is here to help. Our service dogs are trained to assist with symptoms such as anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and panic attacks, providing grounding emotional support.

Dog Training Elite Sarasota - Psychiatric Service Dog Trainers in Sarasota / Venice
Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Sarasota / Venice, FL helps individuals with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. We'll help train your dog to mitigate symptoms by offering emotional grounding and support during stressful situations.

Dog Training Elite Sarasota - Mobility Service Dog in Sarasota / Venice, FL. Dog Training Elite
Mobility Support Service Dog

Enhance your independence or help a loved one with specialized mobility service dog training in Sarasota / Venice, FL from Dog Training Elite. Our expert trainers teach dogs the skills they need to support their owners with mobility challenges.

Dog Training Elite Sarasota - Seizure Response Dog in Sarasota / Venice, FL
Medical Response Dog Training

If you are in need of a seizure response dog in Sarasota / Venice, FL, Dog Training Elite can help. Our training program is designed to help individuals with epilepsy regain independence and confidence.

Dog Training Elite Sarasota - Autism Support Dog Training in Sarasota / Venice, FL
Autism Support Service Dog

Bring life-changing support to your family with Dog Training Elite's autism support dog training in Sarasota / Venice, FL. Our compassionate trainers work closely with your family and dog throughout the entire process, ensuring your pup is fully prepared to provide comfort, safety, and companionship.

A service dog at a ball game with their owner - get professional Sarasota / Venice service dog training with Dog Training Elite.

Dog Training Elite Sarasota

Service Dogs for Anxiety, PTSD, and Autism

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Service dogs trained to assist handlers with severe anxiety or depression perform specific tasks that reduce the potential for panic attacks or self-harm attempts. Such tasks include deep-pressure therapy, tactile stimulation, alerting, clearing rooms, blocking strangers from approaching, and more. Service dogs trained to assist those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have greatly improved the lives of many veterans.

Service dogs also make a big impact on the lives of children with autism. Children with autism are often prone to meltdowns, have trouble communicating, and are quick to run off or become easily lost. Service dogs prevent and mediate all of these behaviors to provide a higher quality of life for children with autism and their families.

As autism is a spectrum disorder, each child has varying needs of assistance. Autism service dogs perform the following tasks:

  • Tracking: Children with autism often wander away, and a parent’s worst fear is turning their back for just a moment and discovering their child is gone. Autism service dogs will track the child if this ever happens.
  • Tethering: This task minimizes wandering, which is common in public settings. The child is tethered to the service dog’s leash or harness, preventing him or her from wandering away.
  • Behavior Interruption: Repetitive and ritualistic behaviors are typical of autistic children, as are meltdowns when the child becomes overstimulated. Autism service dogs recognize these negative behaviors and redirect the child’s attention when they start. A simple paw or nudge is all it takes to prevent a meltdown.
A service puppy waiting for their owner - Dog Training Elite Sarasota.

How Do I Get a Service Dog?

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If you are wondering how to get a service dog, there are a couple of different approaches. Some service dogs are purchased outright, fully trained. Or a compatible dog is selected and trained from an early age. Training a dog from the start is the best option, especially for those with specialized needs.

Training a dog to perform service responsibilities must start from day one. Only certain breeds are suited to service work, and breeders put a lot of time into raising puppies to be service animals. Once you have purchased a service puppy, additional training is necessary to prepare your puppy for life as a service dog. This is a complicated process that involves various steps. Dog Training Elite makes getting a service dog easier with our service dog training program.

Our talented trainers can help select puppies that are prepared for a life of service from well-respected breeders. When these puppies enter the service dog training program they are closely monitored for behavior and temperament and can be fully obedience trained by the age of six months. These puppies undergo extensive socialization and additional training to ensure they are well-suited for service and therapy needs including specialized service training alongside the new handler.

This program is ideal for handlers who want to take part in the developmental years and extensive training of their service puppy.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Sarasota.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

A trainer, a man and his service dog - find the best service dog training in Sarasota / Venice, FL with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Sarasota / Venice Service Dog Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we are passionate about transforming lives through Sarasota / Venice service dog training. Our proven, balanced training methods help create highly skilled, dependable service dogs that are both obedient and loyal to their handlers.

From mobility support and physical assistance to emotional well-being and more, Dog Training Elite is committed to providing personalized, high-quality training that makes a lasting impact.

Choose Dog Training Elite Sarasota and experience the difference that elite training and compassionate care can make.